Farewell to Ockher, who died last night aged 76

Roy, who died in Warrington Hospital last night, was connected with Warrington Wolves for 42 years.

Known to many as ‘Ockher’, colourful Roy was Alex Murphy’s first signing for Warrington in 1971.

They had grown up together in the Thatto Heath area of St Helens and when Murphy arrived from Leigh as player-coach he brought in his old mate as ‘the caretaker’ at Wilderspool Stadium as well as head doorman at the Wilderspool Leisure Centre.

Ground maintenance and playing equipment became his life for the next 30 or so years, initially as one of two assistants to Jackie Hamblett before taking charge in 1979.

“I was a general dog’s body,” he told the Guardian in an interview.

He was never far away from the place, especially with living in Fletcher Street just yards from the stadium entrance.

Roy, left, on the Challenge Cup homecoming bus in 1974

Wherever ‘Wire’ went, Ockher went, and so he was very much a part of the scene for the greatest season in the club’s history (1973-74), the Challenge Cup finals of 1974 and 1975 as well as the 12 other competitions won before the era of full-time professionalism arrived in 1996.

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Ockher, who is uncle to the Cunningham brothers Eddie, aged 62, Tommy, aged 57, and Keiron, aged 37, was well known to every home and visiting player throughout that period. A game of cards and discussions around collecting rugby league memorabilia would often have been on the agenda.

Such was his popularity in the game and the respect he held for getting a job done he even gained international honours in 1975 - as kitman to the England team coached by Murphy that toured Australasia for the World Cup.

Roy had actually been working since ‘doing a runner’ at aged 15, leaving Grange Park School in Thatto Heath and joining up with the Silcock brothers to work with them on their travelling fairground.

He worked on various rides but his association with the Silcocks started when he was 13.

“I used to go round in Mac Moran’s boxing booths,” he said.

“They used to pay rent to Silcocks Fairground and the boxers would take on all-comers.

“I was doing this with a mate of mine called Buller. Not many would take us on at 13.”

After his time on the Autodrome, Swirl of Life and Waltzers rides, he joined Wigan Casino as its head doorman until Murphy came knocking.

Despite some nomadic ways growing up, he settled well into Wilderspool life.

Duties included tending to the pitch, brushing down the dressing rooms, cleaning boots, cleaning up the terraces after matches and other odd jobs around the ground.

Then there were match-day kit responsibilities and up until Wilderspool’s main stand was burned down in 1982, kit-washing duties were his too.

He said it was one of his career highlights that Warrington called on his services to assist them in Australia and New Zealand during the World Club Championships competition in 1997.

He came back with shirts from all the Australian clubs to boost his massive collection of rugby league memorabilia.

Roy always said that Silcocks and Warrington Rugby League Club were the saving of him. He did not like to think what would have happened to him without them.

And it was a mark of the club’s gratitude of his loyal service that when the first game took place at the new Halliwell Jones Stadium - against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats - in February 2004 that he was honoured with the task of ceremoniously carrying the match ball on to the pitch.

In later life, Ockher was a great reader and devoured autobiographies.

He also travelled a great deal with his family and friends around Europe and visited America.

Roy at the opening of the heritage timeline at The Halliwell Jones Stadium earlier this year

Roy was regularly seen whizzing around Warrington on his mobility scooter OCK1, which gave him the freedom to get about.

A Warrington Wolves statement reads: “Ockher was a family man, who leaves a wife Sue, sons and grandchildren who he adored.

“He was one of those colourful characters who could always tell a good story and will be fondly remembered.”

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Comments (17)

Ockher may have come from St Helens but he is a legend I Warrington. rest in peace and keep looking down on the Wire (Wolves)

Ockher may have come from St Helens but he is a legend I Warrington. rest in peace and keep looking down on the Wire (Wolves)Megamike56

Ockher may have come from St Helens but he is a legend I Warrington. rest in peace and keep looking down on the Wire (Wolves)

Score: 9

Shazzler.b says...1:47pm Thu 9 Jan 14

if id have known id have stayed longer tuesday night bud,,, bloody typical of you to shuffle off unexpectedly, gonna miss you something chronic ocka,,rip my old friend ****

if id have known id have stayed longer tuesday night bud,,, bloody typical of you to shuffle off unexpectedly, gonna miss you something chronic ocka,,rip my old friend ****Shazzler.b

if id have known id have stayed longer tuesday night bud,,, bloody typical of you to shuffle off unexpectedly, gonna miss you something chronic ocka,,rip my old friend ****

Score: 6

Advanced Biker says...2:16pm Thu 9 Jan 14

Truly a Wire legend. Full house for his funeral I would expect R.I.P.

Truly a Wire legend.
Full house for his funeral I would expect
R.I.P.Advanced Biker

Truly a Wire legend. Full house for his funeral I would expect R.I.P.

Score: 7

Nelly72 says...4:08pm Thu 9 Jan 14

Great neighbour, Great guy. Rest in peac e. Neil

Great neighbour, Great guy. Rest in peac
e. NeilNelly72

Great neighbour, Great guy. Rest in peac e. Neil

Score: 5

old-codger says...5:53pm Thu 9 Jan 14

RIP Ockher my old sparrng parter, Aways fun to be with and never a dull moment, You will be greatly missed by all.

RIP Ockher my old sparrng parter, Aways fun to be with and never a dull moment, You will be greatly missed by all.old-codger

RIP Ockher my old sparrng parter, Aways fun to be with and never a dull moment, You will be greatly missed by all.

Score: 5

muckerman says...6:14pm Thu 9 Jan 14

Great character. RIP 'Ockher'

Great character. RIP 'Ockher'muckerman

Great character. RIP 'Ockher'

Score: 3

wirelady88 says...2:42am Fri 10 Jan 14

Love you grandad x

Love you grandad xwirelady88

Love you grandad x

Score: 4

local man says...8:57pm Fri 10 Jan 14

I remember him from working at the big w club in the early 80's. Great bloke, and his son who worked with us was a sound lad. He got his nickname because he lost half his teeth playing rugby - and when anyone asked what position he played he tried to say "Hooker" and you try saying that with no teeth. RIP.

I remember him from working at the big w club in the early 80's. Great bloke, and his son who worked with us was a sound lad. He got his nickname because he lost half his teeth playing rugby - and when anyone asked what position he played he tried to say "Hooker" and you try saying that with no teeth. RIP.local man

I remember him from working at the big w club in the early 80's. Great bloke, and his son who worked with us was a sound lad. He got his nickname because he lost half his teeth playing rugby - and when anyone asked what position he played he tried to say "Hooker" and you try saying that with no teeth. RIP.

Score: 3

MAD 4 IT says...10:44am Sat 11 Jan 14

1 MINUTE "APPLAUSE" FOR THIS WIRE LEGEND BEFORE FIRST MATCH OF THE SEASON : WIRE v SAINTS THURSDAY 13TH FEBRUARY 8PM KICK OFF. HOPE CLUB GOES WITH MY IDEA, THANKS OCK FOR MAKING "WILDERSPOOL" A SPECIAL PLACE LIKE YOURSELF ! "NEVER WILL BE FORGOTTEN "YOU" & WILDERSPOOL. BOTH R.I.P.

1 MINUTE "APPLAUSE" FOR THIS WIRE LEGEND BEFORE FIRST MATCH OF THE SEASON : WIRE v SAINTS THURSDAY 13TH FEBRUARY 8PM KICK OFF. HOPE CLUB GOES WITH MY IDEA, THANKS OCK FOR MAKING "WILDERSPOOL" A SPECIAL PLACE LIKE YOURSELF ! "NEVER WILL BE FORGOTTEN "YOU" & WILDERSPOOL. BOTH R.I.P.MAD 4 IT

1 MINUTE "APPLAUSE" FOR THIS WIRE LEGEND BEFORE FIRST MATCH OF THE SEASON : WIRE v SAINTS THURSDAY 13TH FEBRUARY 8PM KICK OFF. HOPE CLUB GOES WITH MY IDEA, THANKS OCK FOR MAKING "WILDERSPOOL" A SPECIAL PLACE LIKE YOURSELF ! "NEVER WILL BE FORGOTTEN "YOU" & WILDERSPOOL. BOTH R.I.P.

Score: 4

wirelady88 says...1:24pm Sat 11 Jan 14

Mad 4 It. I am his granddaughter and I think the 1min applause/silence has already been run by the club! Thanks for the well wishes everyone. ****

Mad 4 It. I am his granddaughter and I think the 1min applause/silence has already been run by the club! Thanks for the well wishes everyone. ****wirelady88

Mad 4 It. I am his granddaughter and I think the 1min applause/silence has already been run by the club! Thanks for the well wishes everyone. ****

Score: 2

MAD 4 IT says...8:55pm Sat 11 Jan 14

HOPE THERE IS A "FULL HOUSE" FOR WIREvSAINTS MATCH FOR "OCK"

HOPE THERE IS A "FULL HOUSE" FOR WIREvSAINTS MATCH FOR "OCK"MAD 4 IT

HOPE THERE IS A "FULL HOUSE" FOR WIREvSAINTS MATCH FOR "OCK"

Score: 3

MAD 4 IT says...10:23pm Sat 11 Jan 14

WHERE IS "OCKHERS" FUNERAL BEING HELD & WHEN ? I WOULD LIKE TO PAY MY RESPECTS TO THIS TOP BLOKE.

WHERE IS "OCKHERS" FUNERAL BEING HELD & WHEN ? I WOULD LIKE TO PAY MY RESPECTS TO THIS TOP BLOKE.MAD 4 IT

WHERE IS "OCKHERS" FUNERAL BEING HELD & WHEN ? I WOULD LIKE TO PAY MY RESPECTS TO THIS TOP BLOKE.

Score: 1

wirelady88 says...10:30pm Sat 11 Jan 14

Mad4It, no arrangements have been made yet. The family are just sorting through lots of stuff at the moment. I think it will be made public through the guardian at some point when it's all sorted.x

Mad4It, no arrangements have been made yet. The family are just sorting through lots of stuff at the moment. I think it will be made public through the guardian at some point when it's all sorted.xwirelady88

Mad4It, no arrangements have been made yet. The family are just sorting through lots of stuff at the moment. I think it will be made public through the guardian at some point when it's all sorted.x

Score: 1

Hooker51 says...7:38pm Mon 13 Jan 14

On Wednesday January 8th the world lost a truly colourful character and I lost a true friend who no one could ever replace goodnight god less amigo. Mick hooker Lyons and family

On Wednesday January 8th the world lost a truly colourful character and I lost a true friend who no one could ever replace goodnight god less amigo.
Mick hooker Lyons and familyHooker51

On Wednesday January 8th the world lost a truly colourful character and I lost a true friend who no one could ever replace goodnight god less amigo. Mick hooker Lyons and family

Score: 1

wirelady88 says...7:59pm Mon 13 Jan 14

i have heard many a funny story about you and my grandad Mick :) xxx

i have heard many a funny story about you and my grandad Mick :) xxxwirelady88

i have heard many a funny story about you and my grandad Mick :) xxx

Score: 1

sutty 567 says...11:18pm Thu 16 Jan 14

Rip ock the biggers remember I have is when I first time in walk into wilderpool to see my grandad you meet me you wos th the nice man I have ever met you are a legend at the wolfs you ate oways going to look down that your 2 of your second home rip to the biggest legend in the RL community

Rip ock the biggers remember I have is when I first time in walk into wilderpool to see my grandad you meet me you wos th the nice man I have ever met you are a legend at the wolfs you ate oways going to look down that your 2 of your second home rip to the biggest legend in the RL communitysutty 567

Rip ock the biggers remember I have is when I first time in walk into wilderpool to see my grandad you meet me you wos th the nice man I have ever met you are a legend at the wolfs you ate oways going to look down that your 2 of your second home rip to the biggest legend in the RL community

Score: 1

Kayno7 says...5:35pm Mon 20 Jan 14

R.I .P ( OCKHER) We are all gong to miss you .what a star Great neighbour, for over 23 years your going to leave a huge gap in Fletcher Street. Kay Kathryn Del xx

R.I .P ( OCKHER) We are all gong to miss you .what a star Great neighbour, for over 23 years your going to leave a huge gap in Fletcher Street.
Kay Kathryn Del xxKayno7

R.I .P ( OCKHER) We are all gong to miss you .what a star Great neighbour, for over 23 years your going to leave a huge gap in Fletcher Street. Kay Kathryn Del xx

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